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Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Smart but with limitations
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
There is something you have to appreciate about this lock and that is the engineering and built quality. The way it was designed and how it was built is beautiful and if you don’t mention it, no one will know it is a smart lock. It looks just like a regular deadbolt and the satin nickel color looks really nice. There are no grease or flimsy moving parts like the regular deadbolts. The thumbturn is attached magnetically and it’s easy to remove by just pressing a pushpin. The installation process was relatively super easy even if you’re not familiar with installing door locks. It took me around 20 min to install, including removing the old deadbolt. Even though a power tool is not required I actually used mine to install the strike plate. By the way the strike plate must be replaced due to the deadbolt being round. The instructions are easy to read and follow and to be honest I was able to put most of it together without even reading it. The only part I actually read was the part where you need to screw the deadbolt with the cylinder.
Once installed you need to download the Level home app to pair it and use the smart functionality. This lock works with Alexa, Ring, and Apple homekit. Unfortunately it does not function with Google Assistant which was my biggest disappointment. Based on my experience I am only able to unlock and lock this device when in range and that’s because it works on bluetooth. it seems that when you pair it with Ring, Alexa or Apple homekit you’re able to use the remote features but I did not test that. I tried linking it to my Ring but it was having issues finding the lock device. I assume it was not able to because I installed it on my back door. Also for this to work with Ring you must have the Ring pro doorbell.
The app is simple to use and to pair the lock. You are able to share access and see the time , date and when it was locked, unlocked and by whom. This lock works with a simple CR2 battery which is included. Battery goes inside the deadbolt itself and that made me wonder how that deadbolt can hold when it is hollow on the inside. According to the manufacturer it has been built and certified to meet security standards. How long the battery lasts depends on how much you use it. However the battery is very easy to replace, now it may not be easy to find because it is not a common battery size. Despite this being called smart it does have it’s limitations. Overall this smart lock does what it was intended for, it is well designed and it will fit pretty much any door. It is simple to use and easy to install. In the box you get the actual deadbolt, battery, 2 keys, manual and installation screws.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
effortless installation and smart lock
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have been using smart locks for over 4 to 5 years now, and this Level is definitely one of the smart locks that impressed me. The Level packaging includes everything I needed to have a smooth installation. Design: This Level smart lock is sleek design and well-built that is powered by a CR-2 battery, and stands out as being an invisible smart, which means it does have any touchpad screen that indicates it is smart; instead, it looks like any standard door lock which makes it so appealing. In addition, it is versatile, so I can unlock/ lock with a regular key (2 copies are included in the box) or through the Leval app on smartphones and voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa. I like the chime sound that plays when it unlocks/ locks. I have a standard door, so the installation process was straightforward, and it took me around 15 minutes to have the smart lock installed and activated. It is worth saying I already have Level products, so the Leval app was pre-installed on my phone, and I didn't need to deal with account creation or any further activation. After the lock was installed, I opened the Level app and selected "add new lock", and within a minute, the new lock was added; after that, I was prompted to add it to Apple Homekit, which was a huge bonus for my Apple ecosystem. The Level app has an elegant UI and is easy to navigate. In the app, I can create guest passes by allowing select people who have the level app installed on their smartphone to have access to the lock at a specific date and time. This feature is convenient when I have a party so guests can unlock the door with my authorized pass. Works flawlessly and no issues so far.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
High Quality, Easy to Install
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The first thing I noticed about this Level Lock was the quality. Even from the packaging it looks and feels very high end. The way it is presented inside the box and instructions make it clear you are buying something very nice. Installation took me under 15 minutes including removing the original deadbolt I had installed and is very easy to do. The parts here go together with much more simplicity than other deadbolts I have used in the past, and it is quite seamless so long as your door and frame are lining up properly. I already had another Level Lock product, so I was signed into the app for that one. Adding another was incredibly easy, the long part being updating firmware on the lock. Once that was done it was added to my HomeKit and everything was working perfectly. My other Level Lock that I have had for nearly a year now has never let me down, so I anticipate nothing less from this one.
My only complaint about these locks is that since they are round instead of rectangular ideally you should use the included strike plate to make them fit. Coming from a Kwikset deadbolt which uses 4 large screws 2 on either side of the strike plate hole it was a problem going to a single screw on either side. In order to not break my door frame or simply cause weakness in it I was able to use my existing plate by grinding it out a little with a Dremel and grinding stone. Ultimately was only a problem because of my prior deadbolt but should not be a problem for everyone. Otherwise, everything else was a piece of cake and works wonderfully. Smart locks have always been big and bulky before now, Level makes it simple and elegant, and does so with a high-quality product. I am very pleased with it and if you are in the Apple ecosystem this is the perfect smart lock for you.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Amazing Lock, Basic Software
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
TLDR:
(that’s Too Long, Didn’t Read)
The hardware (the lock itself) is amazing - it looks just like a “normal” non-smart lock. Installation was easy and it works well. The app/software is basic but can be improved after lock installation.
Pros:
* Very easy installation.
* Easy battery replacement.
* Very attractive from the inside and out.
* Significantly smaller and less bulky looking than competitors.
* Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi.
Cons:
* Very basic app/software.
* Lock/Unlock history is limited and only available when near the door.
* Automatic unlocking currently does not work (according to their tech support).
* Only user interaction is either in the app or from the built-in speaker - no lights or displays to let you know what is going on.
Details - Setup:
Unlike the competitors which basically replace only the inside portion of the lock, the Level lock replaces the entire deadbolt assembly. Both the outside portion with the key lock and the inside portion are replaced. Installation was very easy with my wooden exterior door. First remove the entire old deadbolt assembly. Then screw in the deadbolt portion, slide in the “guts” which completely fit within the door’s hole, then slide on the outer and inner portions and screw them to each other to hold it all together. Pop a battery in the extended deadbolt and follow the pairing/setup within the app. Done.
Details - Typical Usage:
From the outside, it looks like any other normal deadbolt which is similar to how the competitor models look. There is a keyhole for the provided physical keys and that’s it. From the inside, this looks like any normal deadbolt with a slim knob to rotate for locking/unlocking rather than a big, bulky knob like the competitors have. There are no lights or displays on either the inside or outside of the door. All interaction (aside from the key on the outside and the knob on the inside) is via the App or listening to the built-in speaker.
You can set it up to automatically lock after a time delay which worked well. There is also the ability to automatically unlock the door upon exit from and return to a fixed geofenced boundary around the lock. Sadly, this currently does not work with current Android or iOS phones according to Level tech support. This means that once the door locks, you have to either find the physical key or use the app (or HomeKit, etc.) to unlock the door. In this respect, my prior smart lock was far easier to control. While you can unlock the door by opening and navigating the app or using HomeKit, etc. to unlock the door, this is not entirely convenient versus just approaching the door and having it unlock for you.
A forthcoming numeric keypad accessory will be a huge convenience for when you go outside to work or play in the yard without your phone and need to let yourself back in after the door automatically locks behind you ;-) This is something we had with our prior smart lock and really miss.
By the way, there is a different version of this lock that adds a touch sensor to the outside lock housing. With that version, if you have your phone with you, are logged in to the app, and have permissions to unlock the door, you can just touch the lock to open it instead of opening the app and using the the button in the app to unlock the door.
As with the competitors, you can set up numerous other household users as well as temporary visitors that can unlock the door with their apps based on the permissions you set up. This worked well and is one the best features of smart locks in general.
The app is very basic, though. You can see the history of who locked or unlocked the door, but only the last 30 events, only when near the door itself and it does not include automatic events (auto lock or auto-unlock). This information would be helpful if accessible from anywhere (WiFi) and including all events but is currently only available when connected to the lock via Bluetooth. Aside from locking or unlocking the door, viewing the history log (when nearby), and adjusting basic settings, there isn’t much else to do in the app. I’m sure this will improve as new features are added with app and firmware updates. For now, though, the lock does the basics and not much more.
Details - Typical Maintenance & Battery Life
My two top concerns with a smart lock are battery life and connectivity. The lock’s battery should last a while and tell you far enough in advance so that you can replace the battery before it dies. The lock’s WiFi connectivity should be stable enough that you can reliably access the lock via the app when not nearby. I haven’t had this Level lock installed long enough to verify how long the battery lasts, but so far its network connection has remained stable. My prior smart lock frequently lost connectivity and even worse, it sucked down the life from 2 of the same batteries every 6 weeks with not much advance notice!
The lock itself looks and feels robust enough to withstand years of use, but again, I cannot attest to that as it has only been installed a short while.
Conclusion:
As far as smart locks go, this one has amazingly compact hardware that doesn’t look or feel like a smart lock. It is easy to install and use, and the battery is easy to replace when the time comes. The app works for the basics, but isn’t quite up to par with the competition. Then again, what do you really need with a smart lock? It needs to be a good lock, and the rest is gravy. In that respect, the Level lock is a worthy replacement to a regular lock to add smarts.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Level Up Your Locks
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
First impressions were great. The packaging was spot on with limited and welcomed instructions that should be easy for anyone to understand. This was super simple to swap out with my old non smart lock. and by the looks of it, you could possibly keep your original hardware if you don’t want to use their lock. I haven’t tried it but the internal mechanism looks like it could allow that. Because we have sidelights, we considered keeping our old “key to open” hardware for safety as the turn lock can easily be turned. But ultimately decided to use Level locks instead so we could be reassured that it worked properly.
Pros:
Set up should take no more than 10 minutes, if everything is smooth sailing and it should be, minus any small adjustments you may need to do to the door/door frame itself. It is super simple to install this unit. In fact, I thought it was even simpler, than some non smart locks I’ve changed in the past. Everything is assembled, you just have to click the parts into place and add battery and you’re done.
It’s look is clean and sleek. I’ve always hated the bulky look of other smart lock competitors and it’s what’s kept us from adding one to our front door. Many would prefer not to have a huge number pad, or sign sized lock that advertised itself to everyone, and they don’t go with many home design styles. Level lock hits every button for us when it comes to looks. No one can tell it’s smart and that’s it’s true beauty.
Adding it to the app was easy to do. If you followed the written instructions inside box, it will say that you need to install their app at the very end of installation. You’ll be asked to scan the code. If you’re worried that you’ve already installed the lock before taking the code from internal hardware, remove the instructions from box and the code is located on back of instruction guide.
The app almost seems unnecessary as it’s so minimal and there’s not much you can do inside of it besides lock/unlock door. There’s very few options or setting adjustments elsewhere in app. But would we need much more for a lock, I think not. Once you set the lock to your HomeKit/assistant you don’t need to even open the app.
Last thing to note is that it is quiet. From the internal mechanism turning to the tones that let you know that it’s locked or unlocked is quite quiet. Even on its loudest setting it’s still very pleasing and could easily go unheard if there’s any other noise in the home. But I find that to be pleasant, as we already have loud dings when the door is ajar or because of the security system. So there’s no need for an additional loud beeping.
Cons:
It’s not a huge downfall, but one that could be an annoyance. I typically purchase locks that can be rekeyed if necessary but I’m not sure if this is possible for Level Lock. So now we have to go and rekey other locks throughout the home to the Level Locks keys, instead of being able to just rekey Level Lock and use our existing keys.
After installation and initial testing, which went smoothly, the lock began to get stuck upon opening via app and voice control. The door was free and clear and did not need to be pushed to close/open. The lock closed perfectly, each time. So I’m unsure as to why ours seemed to struggle upon opening soon thereafter. I continued to play around with it manually unlocking and locking and it’s working like butter again. Just hoping this isn’t an ongoing issue. As it sounded like the mechanism was snagging or jamming itself.
Overall:
This lock sets the tone for many of the smart lock competitors out there. From its design to functionality it has been great. I highly recommend trying Level Lock if you’re in the market. We’ve already discussed purchasing more in the future. I would like to know if it can be rekeyed, as we don’t see ourselves having multiple sets of keys for multiple Level locks in the same spaces. That would be our only deterrent.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Easy to set up, easy to use!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have used smart locks in my past and the one thing that was a hinderance to me was the initial set up. The process of taking off the existing lock mechanism was something that sort of scared me. I never exactly knew which tools to use which resulted in me questioning my workmanship. Enter this smart lock, the lock comes with a super easy to digest how to set up instructions which immediately gave me peace of mind. The pairing of the device was a breeze too. One thing I really enjoyed was the sturdiness of this item, it felt rugged and built to last, the previous smart lock I had installed seemed like it was cheaper made than this model. One area of improvement that I would like to see in the future enhancement would be higher quality mounting screws, not the end of the world but it would be nice to see all aspects be higher quality even though its well built. Utilization is very self explanatory too, no questions whatsoever on that aspect. All in all I am very satisfied of the quality and ease of use for this smart lock and would highly recommend it to others!
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
High quality, compact, some issues…
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Review for
Level - Bluetooth Smart Lock - Satin Nickel
I really like this lock because it replaces a standard deadbolt, comes with traditional keys, and is beautifully made! I’m not a fan of the large, keypad-laden smart locks.
The instructions are simple and clear if you have basic home skills, i.e., you can use a screwdriver. It took me about 15 minutes to remove my old deadbolt and replace it with the Level Lock. Downloading the app was easy and setting up people to have access to the lock was also straightforward. It’s easy to add and remove people so you can give them temporary or long-term access.
The lock uses Bluetooth and works with Apple HomeKit, and Alexa. I’d like it better if it also worked with Google Home. You can set it to unlock as you approach and to relock after a given amount of time.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Hands free way to arrive home
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a great little lock. I am finding a few issues with it however that keep it from getting 5 stars. 1) I need to be pretty close or in direct line of sight for the app to lock and unlock the deadbolt. 2) No matter how much I clear out the receptacle where the deadbolt goes, I keep getting an error message (it still locks so I guess I will just have to ignore the error message)
I do like that I can set it to unlock when I arrive home. I have to bee pretty close to the door for it to unlock (which I guess is a good thing) but when I have my hands full of packages, it's nice to not have to get my keys out to unlock.
I wish that I could unlock from my room- I live in a ranch so my bedroom is on the same level as the unit. It won't work in my room but if I step to the doorway where I am in direct sight of the door, it will unlock. That will be handy to let people in. I have tried boosting the range but that did not make it reach my bedroom.
The unit looks great. I am switching over all my hardware to brushed nickel. The installation was super easy- It took me about 10 minutes from removing my old deadbolt to getting this one installed and up and running. As mentioned- the only issue is that I still get an error message which means there is something possibly touching the bolt as it goes in to the door. I have used a chisel and cannot see anything that would be touching it but as I said, it still locks. I will just ignore the error message.
The battery is an unusual size. I am thinking I may need to get a spare to have on hand for when this one dies. I don't know yet how long the battery will last. The app tells me it's "Healthy" , Time will tell what kind of warning I will get until it's drained.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Great Build Quality-But Bluetooth reliance isn’t t
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I wanna love this product but there’s several key points that push me from truly liking it. The first and possibly the biggest issue I came across with this unit is the apparent lack of documentation and specs surrounding it. Prior to having this unit shipped TIN needed confirmation that these fit our intended application. They included an attachment from Level that gave all dimensions of the unit. Everything checked out at this point. After arriving, I soon learned that some of the specs on that document were inaccurate, but better said, lacking. I thought maybe I overlooked something and double checked against the Level website. The specs were exactly the same. As I go to install the lock I noticed the deadbolt didn’t properly fit in any of 4 doors, 3 security doors, 1 hardened (wood) doorway. The bore on the doors measured 1” while the lock had 11/32“. The notch along the side of the bolt that allows for adjusting from 23/8“ to 23/4” was the issue. I thought about shaving the bore on the door itself but then I figured taking a trip to the local hardware store might be a better option. To the best of my knowledge I have pretty standard size doors, with the exception of the hardened wood door. The trip to the hardware store cemented this idea. Upon returning I turned my attention to your standard compressed particle wood interior door.The strike plate had minor issues in fitting with this door but that much was expected. Installing to this door type was almost the same, however I had to shave a portion of the interior to allow the deadbolt to seat.
The second, lesser issue, is that this deadbolt lock solely relies on Bluetooth. There’s a significant delay between unlocking from the app and the lock itself actually unlocking. It offer's pairing with either Homekit or Alexa and the sidewalk program. I could only pair with Homekit as I have no Alexa devices to test that functionality.
Bottom line, If I were looking for a smart lock would I spend my own money on a Level lock, NO. It being limited to Bluetooth restricts some of its functionality to proximity based. However, if you’re deeply rooted in Homekit or the Alexa ecosystem you may unlock other functionality thorough those services. Just keep the biggest issue of lacking details in the documentation in mind. It might be a 1 off issue present in a certain batch which I happened to get or an issue that affects all models.
Would I recommend this product to someone else? Yes and no. It really depends on what you already have for smart products so a simple answer isn't really possible.
An additional note, upon installing the Level Home app I took a glance at the app’s reviews and on iOS it sits at about 3.4 stars. The repeat issue I noticed is that it quickly drains your phones battery. I am unaware if the Play Stores app suffers from the same issues.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from LevelHome Team
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Your experience using Level Lock is important to us, so we would like to address some issues you discussed in your review. We can confirm that the information included in your TIN document is accurate. Included in your document are hyperlinks with additional information for reviewers to reference, including an online door compatibility checker. Making sure your door is compatible with Level locks is important for proper installation and functionality. As an additional resource, our support page lists out the proper door measurements here: https://level.co/support/articles/360040116234.
We recommend contacting our Support Experts regarding the Bluetooth delay you are experiencing. They are available via email or chat on level.co/support, and can help troubleshoot the issue.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Can’t even tell it’s a smart lock. Does the job.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve been interested for a long time in the concept of a smart lock, but also concerned about the logistics of it. How is it powered? How good is the Wi-Fi signal *really*? What happens if the power goes out? The usual stuff. These things stopped me from getting a lock, along with the form factor that many smart locks seemed to come with: big, chunky cylinders that sit outside your door. OBVIOUS that they are smart locks. I don’t like that.
What I wanted was a slim, looks-like-a-regular-lock smart lock. And that’s exactly what’s going on with the Level Bluetooth Smart Lock, a smart deadbolt that can fit into the space of most common deadbolts.
Installation is a lot simpler than I’d imagined it would be…and while my former deadbolt hardware wasn’t an exact match in size, I was able to make quick work of the install thanks to a hammer and chisel which allowed me to make room for the included strike plate.
A couple of installation “warnings,” if you can call them that. First, you probably will need to replace your existing strike plate. The bolt is a bit larger than traditional bolts, and because the yahoos who owned my house before me wanted to have fun with 4” deck screws, I tried not to further gouge my door jamb. Still, the include strike plate was easy to install once I chiseled away some extra wood. Second and arguably most important, your existing bolt needs to have a “smooth throw” when locking and unlocking. I think we all have that one door in our house that we need to lift or push or force somehow to get the bolt to throw, but that isn’t going to cut it here. You may find yourself (like I did) making some adjustments to the door itself to make sure everything lines up perfectly. You don’t need to be a master carpenter to fix these sorts of things, just a little common sense and you should be able to make those adjustments yourself.
This lock is compatible with Apple’s HomeKit as well as Ring and Alexa, but as with any other HomeKit compatible products, adding this was a very simple and familiar procedure. And because it’s compatible with HomeKit, adding automations and incorporating Siri Shortucts is a breeze. You can also use the Level Home app to manage the lock, allowing you to create guest passes for others to access unlock the lock (probably good for VRBO / AirBNB owners). The only complaint I have here is that if you pair the unit first with HomeKit and don’t add it to the Level Home app within 30 minutes, the lock has to be removed from HomeKit, reset, and added again.
The unit is powered by a CR-2 battery which is stored in the bolt itself. I wonder about the relative strength of an otherwise hollow aluminum bolt, but I imagine this isn’t a significant problem. Presumably, as power runs out, HomeKit will provide ample warning. If not, two keys (which can be easily copied) are included with the lock.
One of my favorite things about this lock is the branding: there is none, except for the end of the bolt. Otherwise, it looks like an every-day, generic deadbolt.
Installation was easy, even considering I had some chisel work to do. Setup doesn’t **require** a special app (although it is an option), as it incorporates with HomeKit, Alexa and Ring. The only real catch here is the price, which is significant at $249. To outfit your home (suppose you have 2-3 exterior doors) would set you back a pretty penny, so maybe waiting for this one to go on sale would be the best strategy.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A smart lock that is simple to install and use.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I can not see a more easy process to transform my door into a smart mechanism integrated with my Alexa. All hardware is included in the box so the process to transform your regular bolt into a Bluetooth-controlled locker only takes less than 15 minutes and requires only your own screwdriver.
Very intuitive installation, similar to a regular bolt the only difference is that the body of the lock keeps the electronic components and the battery goes in the deadbolt. It feet perfectly in any standard door.
The Bolt is compatible with android and IOS phones. This is great and corrects my first impression from the outside of the box where I only see clear references only to IOs.
The app is easy to install and automatically connects Bluetooth your phone to your lock. Only need to create your account, identify the lock and placement (optional) and after authenticating your email, the two devices connect with each other and the process is over.
This lock connects with the phone via Bluetooth and not wifi. This is my preference. While you limit the distance between the phone and the lock, in reality, the setup is easier and expands the possibilities to use the lock into houses not web-connected. My cabin in the mountain seems a great location.
The battery is a standard CR-2, while I still haven’t test the duration (I have the lock only 3 days at home), the replacement is quite easy. I need to do a reference to the design, I love the fact that the battery hides in the deadbolt.
The lock is coming with two keys. I only keep one in my pocket for security purposes, in case one day the battery fails when I am outside, otherwise, I always use the app for access.
My final comment is for a functional app, while simple and not too heavy, is perfect for the full management of the lock, open and close. Among its functionalities includes a log recording the opening/closing time.
I strongly recommend it. So sure that I am going to buy a couple more.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
High Tech Lock
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Easy use and installation. Having some issues with sending passes but overall good product.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Smart Lock!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
If you are looking for a smart lock without a keypad, this one is wonderful. I have had a couple of keypad smart locks in the past but for this application I just wanted a lock with a phone app. I couldn’t be happier with the product.
First off, I love how compact the design is. From the outside it just looks like a normal deadbolt. The electronics are all hidden within the lock with no extra visible housing. It is the smallest smart lock I have ever seen! Installation is a breeze, I would say even on the easy side compared to a traditional deadbolt lock. It looks and feels very well built as well. The app was easy to set up and use. It has all the basic features you would expect, similar to other locks I had used.
All in all this is just a fantastic product. Not a lot to say in the review as it really has no flaws and at the end of the day it just works exactly has you would hope a smart lock would. If this lock fits within your budget for a sleek looking smart deadbolt, I would absolutely recommend this to a friend!
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
THIS LEVEL LOCK IS ONE SMART LOCK!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My level lock arrived and after reviewing an online video about installation I got my phillips screwdriver out and was ready to start. This is the first lock I ever really tried to put in myself so was nervous but figured I'd go slow and get it right. Inside the box I found an instruction brochure, the paddle housing, motor (which goes under the housing), bolt, key housing and strike plate. They also include 2 keys, one CR2 battery, a Long cap if you need it, 2 strike plate screws, 2 bolt plate screws and 2 security bolts. I found, as stated, you do just need a regular phillips screwdriver (not an electric model - hand tightening only) and a compatible IOS or Android phone. I have an iPhone so was ready to go.
I had an older deadbolt lock on my front door which looked very similar to the Level Lock. It was easy to remove my original setup as they do offer instructions in the booklet. Before you attempt to remove your old set however, be sure that your deadbolt throws smoothly without pushing or pulling on the door. Mine was fine. Because the new strike and bolt plates were thicker than my old ones I did have to chisel out some of the wood to make them fit flush. It wasn't difficult but just added extra time to the installation.
After getting the bolt with provided screws in place I was ready to slide the motor on. You must remember to tighten the connecting screw at that point. I then put the strike plate on my door jamb. After that I reassembled the lock and made sure the bolt was retracted then I simply threaded the tailpiece on the keyhole side through the center hole in the motor and bolted the 2 sides together. I then snapped the paddle in vertically to hide the security bolts just installed. My final step was to unscrew the cap on the end of the bolt and insert the battery with the flat end towards the cap. When I screwed it back in I then heard a musical chirp which told me all was well.
I then proceeded to download the Level app on my phone, went to ADD A LOCK and registered my account. On the app you'll find the name you give the lock, an Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock off or on toggle, Sound which goes from Off to High, a Boost Range so you can move further away from the lock with your phone if needed, a Calibrate feature, Battery Life (starts out showing Healthy), the Firmware version and then you can pick Apple HomeKit by scanning a provided QR code to activate, Amazon Sidewalk or None (using just Bluetooth). By the way there was an immediate firmware update for my lock which went in without a hitch. I decided for now to just use the Bluetooth feature so left it on None.
Overall the installation was pretty straightforward and simple, even for me being a novice. The lock appears very high quality with a beautiful satin nickel finish. No unsightly bad spots like you might find on a cheaper lock and best of all it works like a charm! I only rarely use my front door, however I feel safer knowing this well built high security lock is on there.
If you are in the market for a smart lock setup and the specs will fit your door I highly recommend its purchase. You won't be disappointed!
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
High Quality, Easy to setup and use.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This Level Smart lock is quite nice. Matches our door better than the brass one that's been there since we moved in to this house. The Satin finish is quite nice and the whole unit has a very nice quality feel to it. It doesn't feel cheap or feel like it's going to wear out in short order.
As for install, it was easy, though there were issues on my side that don't affect the review as it's part age of the door, and the quality of the door itself. There was some warping to our door where the deadbolt was, so in order to install it, I had to use some spacers/shims to "bulk up" around the housing on the side that's inside my house. Without this, there was about 1/8" gap and the deadbolt wouldn't sit securely. It took me a while to find these pieces as they seem to be out of stock everywhere.
There was no drilling required, though, if I wanted to use the provided strike plate, I'd have had to drill as the one that is in our door frame uses 4 alternating staggered screws which are roughly twice the length of the ones in the level Kit.
Once installed, the rest of the setup is a breeze. The App is intuitive and easy to use. It's also not busy at all which is very appreciated. It only took a couple minutes to get it setup and creating a Level Home account only took a minute or two.
I don't have a HomeKit setup as I don't use/own any apple products, so I am only able to do things from my phone, and use the Level Lock through Bluetooth, but this is fine for me. It would be great to see Google/Nest and Amazon support in the future.
Now to just get a nice Satin finish door knob to match!
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Smarter, but still not smart enough.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My unit arrived defective though I didn't know it until after the installation was complete but I'll come back to that in a moment. Installing a deadbolt is something I would normally outsource to a contractor. I love to tinker with technology and software but when I have to break out anything more than a screwdriver I get a bit nervous and would rather have the work done by a professional. My contractor was out of town and my wife and I just spent a fortune on a brand new kitchen renovation so money is super tight so bringing in another handyman wasn't in the financial cards so I settled for the next best thing: my 13 year old son. He knows as much about installing deadbolts as I do, which is practically zero. Nothing like father son bonding time with woodcarving tools.
The instructions from Level are detailed and easy to follow. What they don't include is the answer to the question "what do you do if your door is not level and the existing lock and deadbolt are installed at odd angles to account for this? Level's documentation does not answer the question "what to do with the door frame if there are two previous holes in the door frame that won't properly align with your new deadbolt?" The correct answer to both of these questions is to buy a new door and install a new doorframe and properly cut a new set of holes, but it was a school night and I'm not a pro so after half an hour of debate we broke out the chisel and hammer and hacked our way into a working set of holes. Or so we thought.
We assembled the deadbolt, paired it with Apple HomeKit and set about asking Siri to lock and unlock the door. My wife was watching TV during this time and was dismayed to learn that every time we locked or unlocked the bolt, the TV show she was watching was interrupted with an alert that the door had been unlocked. Or locked. Or in our case jammed. 27 notifications later we figured out why our hacked hole in the doorframe was not working and causing the lock to jam. She told us after the fact that by notice 15 she had physically removed her Apple Watch so it would stop alerting her. Mental note: teach the wife how to tweak Apple HomeKit notifications. With the deadbolt installed I thought that would be the end of the story. Nope.
During the install I skipped pairing the lock directly to the Level smartphone app. The Level app pairing process uses Bluetooth to pair the lock to your smartphone. What is not documented in the box of materials is that if you skip paring the lock with the Level smartphone app to begin with and go straight to HomeKit, the bluetooth pairing option turns off after 1 hour and will not turn back on. The solution to this problem requires factory resetting the lock. Factory resetting the lock requires disassembling most of the lock to get to the hidden factory reset button. This really should be more clearly spelled out in the documentation included in the box.
When the factory reset left the deadbolt unable to pair and now unable to connect to HomeKit, a trip to the level tech support website lead to a second article that revealed that the unit is supposed to emit sound, both when the battery is inserted and when the device is factory reset. This unit never emitted any noise. Level's RMA process was smooth and quick and cost nothing to return the unit and only a few days of delay waiting for the new one.
When the new one arrived it chimed when I inserted the battery (a good sign) and paired successfully with the app where the lock immediately began downloading a firmware update. Shortly after I was able to re-add it to HomeKit and we're off and running again.
The only challenge we have now is that Apple HomeKit is very very slow to respond on this device. 9 out of 10 times when we ask Siri to unlock the door, she responds "The lock is taking a while to respond" and we wait. And while the wait feels like an eternity, after about 30 seconds the door unlocks. So at least for this door, it's smarter than it was before, but not smart enough.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
All Locked Up
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Just received my Level Bluetooth Smart Lock and have been testing it out since yesterday. Inside the kit comes everything you need to get started:
* Paddle Housing & Motor
* Bolt
* Key Housing
* Strike Plate
* Keys
* CR2 Battery
* Long Cap
* Strike Plate Screws
* Bolt Plate Screws
* Security Bolts
The process is fairly easy and simple, though I found the instruction manual could have been made a little more understanding, however, the pictures do help as well. Simply remove your old deadbolt from your door, along with the bolt plate, and strike plate. This took me just under an hour to install because of my door frame, however, it might've taken only about 30 minutes. Once everything is installed, with the door open, make sure the bolt is sticking out and unscrew the end cap to insert the battery. An audible chime can be heard once the battery is properly installed. Next depending on what mobile device you have, download the Level Home app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android.
Once the app is downloaded simply create an account and login. You may have to do a firmware update and must stay near the lock to ensure the update is properly installed. This locks is compatible with Ring, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. I connected mine to Apple HomeKit since I have an iPhone.
*NOTE*: The Apple HomeKit code for this lock is under the instruction manual which is glued to the top cardboard part of the packaging. The code is also on the lock, but its kinda hard to get to that code once the lock is already installed. Level needs to think of a better placement for this code. Most manufacturers place the code on the outside of the packaging. Being this is a lock maybe that's the reason its kinda hidden. At least they should explain that in the manual.
Using that app is easy as pie, I can now use Siri to unlock and lock my front door.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice lock for smart home!!!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Level - App Smart Lock - Satin Nickel is a lovely, convenient, and easy deadbolt lock install. The lock is tiny in size, but the construction appears to be sturdy. It includes everything you need for a quick install. The app is pretty basic, but it works. I love not having to fumble with keys on the cold winter days.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Creative Idea for Wireless Door Lock
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a very nicely designed unit that will allow you to control your door lock from your cell phone. You can purchase additional accessories to enable you to operate the lock from anywhere. Personally I like the control to be when you are nearby the door physically. Installation is simple. One of the design points was to make the lock look like an ordinary deadbolt instead of a keypad digital lock. I also liked this design point and a tip of the cap to the engineers for this very nice lock.
I did have one problem which was my own mistake. I chatted with support which is provided 7 days a week. My problem was I installed the bolt upside down. There is an arrow on the top and also the words TOP on the top plus the directions clearly stated in the installation step to put the words TOP on the up side; so I can hardly blame anyone but myself. The support people were wonderful and got me fixed quickly.
I do recommend this beautiful lock which also has an outstanding mechanical design.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Works !
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Level Smart Lock
I have always wanted a smart lock for my garage to kitchen door. Often I am unloading groceries from the car and trying to juggle keys. I have a metal door frame with glass inserts, which uses a standard double dead bolt lock and a knob handle lock. I read about the level and thought it would be prefect. The small mechanism and innovative battery holder (the deadbolt itself) seemed prefect. All the pieces seem to fit.
Un-boxing was very straight forward, and seems very similar to any other deadbolt I have installed. The difference was the innovative battery housing which is the deadbolt shaft itself. It makes changing the battery super easy, and quite ingenious design.
Changing out my deadbolt was where I had some issues. I have a double keyed deadbolt which means, because my door is glass, a key is required on both sides. I had thought I could either only change the Level motor or use the existing inside key cylinder on the level to get to the double keyed lock like I have. Not possible as the level motor has enough space for only one cylinder to fit through its connection. Anyhow, I went ahead and installed the Level lock as it was designed with the supplied knob on the inside and key required only on the outside. Everything fit together well without any hitch. Pairing was very easy after downloading the app. And the app gives quite a lot of options for using the lock.
The lock looks like any other lock which is nice, and you would not know its a smart lock till you touch it. Operation is quick and steady. I had to file down the sides of the strike plate so operation of the lock shaft was smoother. It it hits any obstruction while opening or closing, even the slightest resistance, the lock may jam or stop.
I also discovered there are a few versions of the lock. One has touch control with NFC cards which is really neat. Touch to open or close the lock when nearby your phone, and NFC cards that will also do the same. There is also a retro fit kit which allows the use of your existing lock, single or double cylinder, and basically replaces the internal lock shaft portion which makes it smart.
All in all this was a learning experience, and smart locks have certainly come a long way and have gotten very smart. Level with the use of its smart motor and app helps make this simpler, but buy the right kit.
I did call Level Customer Support and was pleased with the help and level of understanding of their product. It was refreshing to have a company with good, knowledgeable customer support.
This review is from Level - Smart Lock Bluetooth Replacement Deadbolt with App/Key/Voice Assistant Access - Satin Nickel